Dambulla Cave Temple
A UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of 5 rock cave temples at 160m above the plain, containing 153 Buddha statues and 2,100 sq m of cave paintings dating from the 1st century BC.
Duration
1.5-2 hours
Entry Fee
$15 USD
Difficulty
easy
Budget
moderate
About Dambulla Cave Temple
The Golden Temple of Dambulla is a complex of five cave shrines carved into a granite outcrop 160 metres above the surrounding plain. The caves were first used as refuge by King Vattagamani Abhaya in the 1st century BC and were converted into royal rock temples. Together the caves contain 153 Buddha statues, 3 statues of Sri Lankan kings, and 4 statues of Hindu gods, alongside 2,100 square metres of painted cave ceilings and walls, the largest area of cave painting in South Asia. The largest cave, Maharaja Viharaya (Cave 2), is 52 metres wide and 23 metres deep. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, the complex is an active Buddhist place of worship. White-dressed devotees and monks are present throughout the day.
Highlights
- 153 Buddha statues across 5 caves
- 2,100 sq m of cave paintings — largest in South Asia
- UNESCO World Heritage Site (1991)
- 1st century BC royal rock temples
- 160m elevation with views over the Dambulla plain
Practical Tips
Entry fee for foreign visitors is USD 15 (LKR 1,500) as of 2024.
Dress conservatively — shoulders and knees must be covered; sarongs are rented at the gate.
Remove shoes at the base of the 150 steps leading to the caves and carry them up.
Monkeys at the base and on the path will grab loose bags and food — hold belongings close.
Visit before 10am to avoid the heaviest tour group arrivals.
Explore by Interest
Best Time to Visit
Best time of day: Year-round; January to April and June to September for drier conditions
Location
Planning Info
- Crowd level
- Often busy
- Physical difficulty
- easy
- Setting
- mixed
- Child friendly
- Yes
- Senior friendly
- Yes
- Budget level
- moderate
- Photography
- ★★★★☆
Plan Your Visit
Want to include Dambulla Cave Temple in your Sri Lanka itinerary? Our team builds personalised plans: no booking fees, no online payment.
ALSO IN THE AREA
Nearby Destinations
Pidurangala Rock
A 200m rock outcrop 1.5km north of Sigiriya offering the best panoramic view of Sigiriya Rock, with a reclining Buddha at the summit base dating to the 6th century.
Explore →
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
5th-century palace and fortress built atop a 200m granite monolith by King Kashyapa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most visited paid attraction in Sri Lanka.
Explore →
Kandalama Lake
Ancient irrigation reservoir near Dambulla covering 2,000 acres, surrounded by jungle and popular for birdwatching with over 150 recorded bird species.
Explore →
Nalanda Gedige
A 7th-9th century stone shrine near Matale combining Hindu and Buddhist architectural styles, one of the few surviving examples of this fusion in Sri Lanka, relocated to its current site in the 1980s.
Explore →LET'S EXPLOR™ THE
Tour Packages
from $0Kandy Esala Perahera Festival Tour
The Kandy Esala Perahera is a ten-night Buddhist and Hindu procession honouring the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, held each July or August in Sri Lanka's hill capital. Five Kumbal Perahera nights build in scale before the Randoli Perahera, when palanquins representing the four devale queens join over 100 elephants, whip-crackers, fire dancers and Kandyan drummers on the temple's torch-lit route through the city. This tour bases you in Kandy for two of the grandest Randoli nights with reserved gallery seats, and fills the days with a morning visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic before the crowds, the palm avenues of Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden, and a day trip into Nuwara Eliya's tea country. Travellers who want more history can add an optional day at Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the Dambulla Cave Temple. Kandy's hotels sell out months ahead of the festival, so confirm your dates and book as early as you can.
6 Days / 5 Nights
Ceylon Express: 4-Day Highlights
Ceylon Express is a 4-day loop for travellers with limited time: a Maldives stopover, a short-leave visit, or a first taste of Sri Lanka before a longer trip another year, covering Sigiriya, Kandy and a genuine if brief taste of tea country. Day one drives to Sigiriya via a stop at the Dambulla Cave Temple, roughly 3.5-4 hours from Colombo, for the climb up the 5th-century rock fortress. Day two continues to Kandy, roughly 2.5-3 hours further, for the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Day three is Kandy's tea day: the Ceylon Tea Museum at Hantana, a working 1925 tea factory 5km from town dedicated to tea pioneer James Taylor, gives a real look at leaf processing without the extra day a Nuwara Eliya trip would need, be honest with yourself that this is a taste of tea country, not the full hill-country experience; if that matters more than time saved, look at the 6-day Classic Ceylon Discovery instead. Four days means three driving days out of four and limited free time, this route suits travellers who want the highlights covered efficiently, not a relaxed pace.
4 Days / 3 Nights
from $600Essence of Sri Lanka
The Essence of Sri Lanka 8-day journey is crafted with love for travelers of all ages, blending gentle cultural discoveries, thrilling wildlife adventures, and lazy beach days. From ancient fortresses to lush highlands and sunlit shores, this trip is designed to spark joy, curiosity, and wonder for kids, parents, and grandparents alike, creating memories you’ll all treasure. Kick off with the awe-inspiring climb up Sigiriya’s Rock Fortress, a towering adventure steeped in history. In Kandy, feel the magic of the Temple of the Tooth and sway to a vibrant cultural show. Wind through Nuwara Eliya’s tea-covered hills, where the air is cool and the stories are warm. Explore Ella’s gentle trails and stunning views, perfect for family strolls. Get your hearts racing on a Yala safari, spotting elephants and leopards in the wild. Then, splash in Mirissa’s waves or opt for a whale-watching thrill (seasonal). Wander the charming streets of Galle Fort, where history feels alive. Wrap up in Colombo, diving into its colorful sights and bustling markets for a final family fling. This journey is a heartfelt mix of Sri Lanka’s magic, ensuring everyone leaves with a smile and a story. Your Itinerary Day 1: Arrive and conquer Sigiriya’s majestic Rock Fortress. Day 2: Explore Kandy’s sacred Temple of the Tooth and enjoy a lively cultural show. Day 3: Ride through breathtaking scenery to Nuwara Eliya’s tea plantations. Day 4: Stroll Ella’s nature trails, soaking in waterfalls and mountain views. Day 5: Embark on a thrilling jeep safari in Yala National Park. Day 6: Unwind in Mirissa with beach fun or optional whale watching (seasonal). Day 7: Discover the historic charm of Galle Fort. Day 8: End with sightseeing and shopping in vibrant Colombo before departure.
8 days / 7 nights
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Ready to explore Dambulla Cave Temple?
Tell us your travel dates, group size, and preferences. Our team will build a personalised itinerary with accommodation, transport, and entry tickets: no booking fees, no online payment required.